JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- A total of 1,781 police officers and personnel will be deployed across Johor under 'Op Cahaya' from this Saturday until next Monday, aimed at ensuring public safety and smooth traffic flow throughout the Deepavali celebrations.
Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the operation involves various departments, including the Criminal Investigation Department, the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, and the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department.
He added that the focus will not only be on crime prevention but also on monitoring traffic congestion and enforcing traffic laws, particularly in identified hotspots prone to traffic congestion.
"Throughout this period, we have deployed 1,781 police officers, including personnel from various departments across the state of Johor.
"Our focus is not limited to crime as we are also addressing issues related to traffic congestion and traffic offences during this period," he said.
He told reporters following a 'walkabout' programme by the Johor Police, held in conjunction with Deepavali at the Deepavali Bazaar site on Jalan Trus here today.
He further encouraged the public to use the 'Volunteer Smartphone Patrol' (VSP) application to notify the police if their homes will be left vacant while they travel to their hometowns or go on vacation during the extended Deepavali holiday.
The free application, developed by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), also allows users to report information regarding criminal incidents and utilise an emergency (panic button) function to seek immediate police assistance.
"Statistics from January to October 2026 show that 5,294 notifications were received from the public regarding their homes being left vacant due to travel an increase from the 4,425 notifications recorded during the same period last year.
"This represents an increase of 869 notifications, or approximately 20 per cent," he said.
However, he noted that this figure remains low relative to Johor’s population of nearly four million. He therefore encouraged the public to make use of the application not only during festive seasons but also in their daily lives.
He added that the Deepavali celebrations this Sunday are expected to see an increase in public movement, given the long weekend from Friday to Monday, as many residents take the opportunity to return to their hometowns or travel outside of Johor.
Therefore, he also urged the public to channel any information regarding crime via the VSP application or by contacting the nearest police station.
-- BERNAMA